The Das Avatars of the Ismaili Satpanthis (“Ismailis”) is a sub-concept developed within the concept of the lineage of the continuous divine manifestation before and subsequent to the creation of the universe. There are also several Ismaili works composed under this name by various Pirs, the better known is that of Pir Sadardin and that of Syed Imamshah.

The Das Avatars in Ismailism is quite different from the Das Avatar of the Vaishnavites (called “Hindus” henceforth) as discussed below. The Ismaili Das Avatar has been referenced in the Asal Gat Paat ji Dua, the prayer recited for centuries. However the importance of this work and the special reverence by Ismailis came to the attention of Westerners only from mid 19th century.

Going through the catalogue of the newly opened Indic manuscripts section of the Heritage Society (library.ismaili.net) we came across two Das Avatar works which have not yet been referenced in any publications: The Das Avatar Vado (Moto) of Pir Shams and the tenth Dasmo Avatar from the Das Avatar Vado of Pir Hassan Kabirdin.
It is important that their existence be known so that in the future scholars can study these works and make a critical edition if they see substantially different content from the known compositions. The Das Avatar of the Ismailis has not developed in a void. This paper will therefore attempt to trace a context for the work itself and for the importance of the discovery of the manuscripts.